Famous Heroin Addicts

About Famous Heroin Addicts

This gallery of famous heroin addicts shows that drug addiction can happen to virtually anyone, even someone who seems to have it all. Heroin is one of the most addictive and dangerous drugs available, and those who manage not to lose their lives while using the drug still lose a lot. Some of the stars in this slideshow have passed on and some are still struggling. A few have managed to kick heroin and offer everyone hope that you can survive by taking life one day at a time.

Once the lead singer of Nirvana, Kurt Cobain's painful heroin addiction was well publicized, and it may have played a role in his untimely death.

Courtney Love

Courtney Love, widow of Kurt Cobain, doesn't make a secret of her addictions, and has often been seen behaving erratically in public. Her story is still unfolding, but she may yet find the strength to give up heroin and other illicet drugs.

Robert Downey Jr.

Robert Downey Jr. may actually be better known for his drug-addled escapades than for his phenomenal acting talent. Downey has served time on drug-related charges, but he currently seems to have a handle on his heroin addiction and is currently making quite a career comeback. However, he will always need to be on guard against a relapse.

Janis Joplin

One of the greatest female rockers of all time, Janis Joplin actually overdosed on an exceptionally pure and powerful batch of heroin on October 4, 1970. What could have been an amazing career was cut all too short.

Jimi Hendrix

Jimi Hendrix is still revered as one of the all-time great guitar players, but he was no match for his drug addiction that included the use of heroin and other narcotics. He tragically overdosed on a lethal cocktail of drugs and alcohol on September 18, 1970.

River Phoenix

Actor River Phoenix also had a deep addiction to heroin and overdosed on October 31, 1993 outside of Johnny Depp's Viper Room club. Who knows what this young star might have accomplished if not for his addiction.

Keith Richards

Rolling Stones' guitarist Keith Richards is one of the rare individuals who has lived to come out on the other side of a heroin addiction.

Eric Clapton

Iconic Blues rocker Eric Clapton is another star who managed to kick his addiction and save his career.

Amy Winehouse

Amy Winehouse is another famous person known to use heroin, and her struggles have been fodder for the scandal-hungry press. She has tried a couple of stints in rehab, but has yet to make a meaningful recovery. Hopefully this talented singer's story will not have a tragic ending.